Mausoleum still without a buyer

Peoria County State's Attorney Jerry Brady will continue to seek a buyer for the embattled American Mausoleum but admitted Friday that, at some point, the Peoria County Board might have to weigh in on what to do with the facility. It's been more than four years since the State's Attor...

Peoria County State's Attorney Jerry Brady will continue to seek a buyer for the embattled American Mausoleum but admitted Friday that, at some point, the Peoria County Board might have to weigh in on what to do with the facility.

It's been more than four years since the State's Attorney's Office became the de facto site manager of the mausoleum off North Allen Road. Its previous owner, Wilton Services LLC, went bankrupt in March 2008 and closed the mausoleum.

Since then, the county has sought someone to buy the site, but to no avail. The closest thing to an offer recently was from an out-of-town investor who toured the site a few months ago. Brady said the man, whom he wouldn't identify, worked in the funeral business and indicated he wanted to make an offer.

"And we are still waiting," the county's top prosecutor said Friday.

Since former State's Attorney Kevin Lyons took over the mausoleum in May 2008, the roof has been repaired, and just this year, a professional painter cleaned, power-washed and painted the building's exterior as part of his public service hours handed down because of a traffic conviction.

Brady said his office is soliciting bids to replace the heating system. The floors, he said, were next. The repairs and work is paid for through two trust funds, which can't be used to run the mausoleum. The funds are restricted only for the care of the building or for pre-need services such as opening and closing of a niche or crypt.

American, which has about half its interment space available, has gotten no serious looks from investors, Brady said with a sigh. The issue, he seems to think, is perception.

"People feel out there that the mausoleum has lost its profitability," he said.

Given that, Brady said it is likely he will approach the County Board within 12 to 18 months to find out their thoughts on what to do with the facility. So far, the county has chipped in little in the way of dollars, using those doing community service to work at the site and county employees when it is opened for visitation. Brady said he has made the eventual outcome a high priority.

"It is important to assure those who have family members interred there that I have the operation of the mausoleum as a serious priority of my responsibility as state's attorney," he said. "But we are going to need to hold a discussion soon. The facts are not changing. There has not been a serious offer to buy (the mausoleum)."

Andy Kravetz can be reached at 686-3283 or akravetz@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @andykravetz.